In 1957, a modern, two-storey extension was constructed on the north side of Macdonald-Harrington to provide more lab space for the growing chemistry department.

[2] Since 1987, the Macdonald-Harrington building has provided the McGill Schools of Architecture and Urban Planning with the necessary space for undergraduate and graduate studios alike.

[7] The main entrance of the building opens up onto the first floor which contains the three exhibition rooms, the porter’s office, an IT lab and the second year undergraduate studio.

The third floor contains the rest of the full-time teaching staff offices, the two third year undergraduate studios and the Architecture Slide Library.

The Macdonald-Harrington Building was designed by Sir Andrew Taylor in Renaissance Revival style, with a roof clad in copper and a symmetrical facade built out of Montreal limestone like the rest of the McGill University campus at the time of construction in 1896.

The interior contains exposed steel beams, brick walls and main doorways in the form of rounded arches, as well as certain areas made of wood.

The building’s ornament is largely concentrated around the facade, with lions carrying shields perched on each pillar in front of the main entrance stairs.